News
News

Caritas Social Action Network launches DVD on spirituality and dementia

12/10/2009

A new DVD highlighting the importance of meeting the spiritual needs of people with dementia and their carers will be launched by the Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) at Salford Cathedral on 13 October.

The DVD, titled “It’s still ME, Lord…”, focuses on good practice in meeting spiritual needs and serves as a useful resource for staff in care settings, Religious Orders, clergy and parish communities, hospital chaplains, as well as Eucharistic Ministers.

Right Reverend Bishop Terence J. Brain, Bishop of Salford and Chair of the CSAN, said: “We hope this will be a valuable resource for people in our Catholic communities and beyond in supporting people with dementia. Whether we are mentally or physically frail, we are all created in the image and likeness of God, and our faith should be respected and cherished.”

Philippa Gitlin, Director of CSAN, said: “The rising incidence of dementia in our ageing population is one of the biggest challenges to our Health and Social Care system. Over recent years there has been increasing awareness of the spiritual and pastoral needs of people with dementia and their carers. As we focus on person-centred approaches to the care and support of people with dementia and recognise their dignity and rights, we need to ensure that their spiritual needs as well as the practice of their faith are both acknowledged and met.”

“The film shows how an NHS Acute Ward, as well as homes run by Catholic agencies are examples of best practice in promoting person-centred care for people with dementia which is essential in meeting spiritual needs,” says Ben Bano who was commissioned by CSAN to produce the film. “The film also shows good practice in supporting people with dementia and their carers at the community level. The production of this film has been a very moving experience and I would like to express our gratitude to all those who shared with us their thoughts and experiences in working to understand and meet the spiritual needs of those with dementia and their carers.”

The “It’s still ME, Lord…” DVD will be officially released at a special seminar at Salford Cathedral on 13 October. Speakers include: Right Reverend Terence Brain, Bishop of Salford; Professor Peter Gilbert of Staffordshire University; Reverend Dr James Hanvey SJ of Heythrop Institute; and, Ben Bano, Project Manager and Director of Telos Training.

Notes

Bishop Terence Brain is Chair of CSAN.

Caritas Social Action Network